Neighbourhood Services

HOUSING

Gas Central Heating - Installation and Upgrading

The following is a general guide to the works. The actual works to your home will depend on the house type.

•  A wall mounted, room sealed boiler will be installed usually in the kitchen or a cupboard that has access to an external wall. Householders will have a choice of location if more than one suitable location is available.

•  Radiators will be provided in all rooms and, with the exception of the hall, will be fitted with thermostatic valves to allow individual adjustment of each room.

•  All rooms will be fitted with a radiator or radiators of sufficient size to heat the room irrespective of outside temperature and without reliance on other heating sources.

•  As with the boiler, the householders may choose the location of the radiators as far as this is practical.

•  Removal of all other components and parts of the old heating system will be carried out as part of these works and this may result in some damage to décor and/or gaps where components are removed.

•  Living room gas fires may be retained at the discretion of the householder provided they pass all current Gas Safety and Use Regulations and that the householder agrees to future reponsibility for all repairs and servicing. It should be noted that gas fires with a back boiler can seldom comply with regulations after the mandatory removal of the boiler. Any works required to the retained gas fires, so that they meet the Gas Safety and Use Regulations, will be the sole responsibility of the householder.

•  All components for removal that are owned by the householder will be offered to them and only disposed of by the Contractor if rejected by the householder.

•  The works may require the removal or replacement of the loft storage tank or hot water cylinder and loft hatch enlargement may be required in some cases.

•  Please note, unless you are in rent arrears a decoration allowance of £50 will be paid to you by cheque following the satisfactory completion of the work otherwise the allowance may be credited to your rent account.

THE CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Notice of works – the Contractor must give you a minimum of 7 days notice in writing of the date the works will commence in your home.

•  Contacts – the Contractor must provide a contact person, telephone numbers and an emergency contact number for outwith working hours.

•  Carpets and furniture – it is the Contractors responsibility to lift and relay floor coverings and remove and replace heavy furniture to allow the works to be carried out, (see also your responsibilities ).

Tidiness – the Contractor is required to protect your home by using clean dustsheets and also clean and brush up after each operation.

•  Floorboards – the contractor will ensure that any lifted floorboards are not left up overnight and that all required warning signs are displayed. The Contractor will screw down all lifted floorboards on completion of the works.

•  Working hours – the Contractor can only work in homes between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday unless with the permission of both the householder and the Council.

•  Identification – the Contractor's employees and Council employees will all carry identification and they must show it to you before entering your home.

•  System breakdown – the Contractor is responsible for the new wiring for one year after installation and they should be contacted for repairs until then.

•  Insurance – the Contractor carries all required insurance. However, it is recommended that you have your own insurance to represent you in any claim or dispute and advisable to take all reasonable measures to protect your belongings from accidental damage.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITES

•  To allow access for the works.

•  To empty any furniture to be moved, empty any cupboards required for access and remove light articles and ornaments to a safe location. If you are unable to carry this out please phone our Housing Investment Programme Team who will arrange for an officer to visit to discuss/arrange.

•  To take responsibility for carpets, laminated flooring or vinyl that is glued or nailed down and cannot be lifted by the Contractor without the expectation of damage. (It may be lifted at the request of the occupier using all possible care but no recompense for damage will be paid).

•  To notify our Housing Investment Programme Team of any elderly, infirm and/or disabled persons who will need special consideration and possible respite care while the works are being carried out.

To notify our Housing Investment Programme Team of any unavoidable access problems such as holidays or hospital appointments.

•  To advise visitors and members of the household that the works are taking place and to exercise the care required to avoid accidents.

Should you have any further enquiries please contact our Housing Investment Programme Team (01563) 576665 or 554847 Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm , Friday 9am – 4pm .

In case of emergency outwith the above office hours, please contact our Helpline on:

0845 7 24 00 00

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